MAJESTIC Mopane the lion was shot dead with a bow and arrow by a US trophy hunter who lured him away from his two prides.

       The US hunter had the lion enticed away to Antoinette, a hunting concession bordering the unfenced Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, for the kill.

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       Mopane was allegedly killed by a US trophy hunter Credit: Facebook / The Hide, Zimbabwe Safari Lodge 3

       Cecil the lion was killed by American dentist Walter Palmer in 2015 Credit: AP:Associated Press

       Confirming the incident, Hannes Wessels, 65, a former professional hunter, said Mopane's death had left a massive hole in the reserve.

       "I was there in that area at the time, and there’s no doubt Mopane has gone," he said.

       "Nobody wants to talk about it, nor be named but it happened."

       In a chilling echo of the Cecil tragedy - which saw the popular lion slaughtered by American dentist Walter Palmer - the hunter allegedly tracked Mopane down with the help of Dinguzulu Safaris ZTA HOP 0257 - the same operator used by Palmer, reports the New York Post.

       Dinguzulu Safaris has not responded to requests for comment.

       "You can’t hunt in the park so they bait on the periphery,” Wessels explained.

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       "Whatever you think about hunting — and it may be unpalatable to outsiders — it keeps poachers away. Wherever hunting is not allowed, poaching soars. It is more complicated than at first sight."

       Mopane's killing has triggered a swell of anger, with the incident slammed as showing "humanity at its worst".

       Mopane was allegedly shot on the night of August 5 and suffered an excruciating death 24 hours later.

       It's not clear whether bait was left out or if he came across it by chance.

       Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said: "The perverse pleasure some people derive from killing iconic animals brought this noble lion’s life to a tragic end.

       "Another trophy hunter spending tens of thousands of dollars on a globe-trotting, thrill-to-kill escapade shows humanity at its worst.”

       It's understood Mopane, who headed two prides, died on August 5 after being shot with a bow and arrow.

       Mopane reportedly survived for 24 hours after being shot before dying, and it's unclear whether another arrow or bullet was used.

       Back in December, a post by Big Game Safaris revealed plans for the trip to slaughter the lion, before being removed, reports the Mirror.

       On average a 15-day hunting safari costs $30,000-$40,000 with extra charges depending on the type of game killed, according to The Times.

       "The mighty Mopani. He is one of the oldest and definitely the most aggressive in our hunting block," it read.

       "We border Hwange game reserve and Mopani travels in between the two areas. Do you want the chance to take a big free roaming lion?

       "Book a hunt with us."

       While trophy hunting is legal in Zimbabwe, it is banned in national parks.

       Without him, his pride is now vulnerable to takeover by another male or group of males, which may lead to the killing of the cubs and females in his pride.

       Kitty Block

       Tinashe Farawo, of Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, defended the hunt.

       “The hunt was legal, so why is there this noise?" he said.

       "As long this lion was six years old it was a legal hunt."

       The Humane Society described Mopane as "well known" to local tour guides and international tourists.

       Kitty Block added: "Mopane was a father and played a significant role in his pride.

       "Without him, his pride is now vulnerable to takeover by another male or group of males, which may lead to the killing of the cubs and females in his pride."

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       Mopane was shot dead at Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park Credit: Alamy

       Cecil the Lion was lured from the protection of a Zimbabwe national park and shot with a crossbow, officials say